Identification of adulteration in spicesImage Credit source: Getty Images
There is a direct connection between kitchen and health, because whatever food we eat helps in keeping us healthy. Nowadays most of the things available in the market are adulterated. From milk, cheese to fruits and vegetables… even spices, people have now started adulteration. Because of this, many times the things we eat to stay healthy are causing harm to our health instead of benefits. Spices are an important part of the kitchen and they are full of medicinal properties. So let us know how to identify adulteration in different spices from coriander powder to red chilli and turmeric.
In earlier times, people used to grind everything from turmeric to chilli on a fresh mortar or our grandmothers and mothers used to prepare the spices by grinding them in a hamam dasta. Gradually, with the change in time, the kitchen also became modern. Most people now buy only packets or canned spices. In such a situation, know how you can check their purity and adulteration.
adulteration in coriander powder
If you have brought ground coriander powder from the market, then to check it, take 2 glass glasses and fill them with water. Add 1 teaspoon coriander powder in both. Pure coriander powder will gradually settle completely in water, whereas adulterated coriander will float on the surface.
adulteration in red chilli powder
Just like coriander, you can identify adulteration in red chilli powder. If when chilli powder is mixed in water, it completely settles down or even floats, then note that the color of the water has not changed. If the color of the water has turned red then color has been added to it.
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Identification of adulteration in turmeric
Even in the turmeric available in the market, synthetic colors containing chemicals are used to make the color more vibrant. To check this also test the water. Fill the glass with water. Add turmeric to it and mix it with a spoon. If turmeric settles in water and a light yellow color is visible in the water, but it is transparent, then color has not been added to the turmeric and if the water is cloudy and color is visible, then along with the color, some other things may also be adulterated in it.
Check cumin like this
Take whole cumin seeds in your hands and rub them. If it is leaving color on the palm then it may be that charcoal or synthetic color has been adulterated in it or it may also be adulterated with grass seeds.
adulteration in black pepper
Nowadays, papaya seeds are added to the black pepper available in the market, because after drying they look similar to black pepper and their size is also almost the same. These seeds start floating on top when put in water or it could be poor quality black pepper.
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identification of rock salt
Most people consume rock salt during fasting, while some people also add this salt to their food due to the problem of high blood pressure. To identify its purity, cut a potato from the middle, sprinkle rock salt on both the pieces and add a little lemon juice. If the slice turns black after some time then the salt may be adulterated.
